At the Geneva Motor Show, connected technologies company, Harman, announced an industry-first solution for automakers that addresses the industry-wide problem of stagnant map data for embedded navigation systems and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Harman’s new dynamic map layers solution dynamically identifies differences between on-board map data and real-world information being captured through a vehicle’s ADAS, navigation system, and on-board sensors. The solution is already deployed in the market with a major German automaker. The dynamic map layers solution uses data collected from cameras and other car sensors to recognize road signs from the surrounding environment, and compares it with the digital map information from the onboard navigation system. If a difference is detected, the information is anonymized and sent to the cloud, where Harman’s scalable cloud platform analyses the data collected from other similarly-equipped production vehicles. Using spatial machine learning techniques, the solution can then, in real-time, deliver critical updates back to the road network. Taking ADAS and navigation to the next level, map layers also updates vehicles with critical map details to ensure that the connected car and its driver are up to date about road conditions ahead.
The solution will keep ADAS and navigation systems up–to-date with speed limit changes, warn drivers of upcoming construction zones, and any other signs they may encounter on the road. Harman has also developed advanced hybrid learning algorithms that ensure the highest quality update, while achieving a small footprint on the embedded device and highly efficient over-the-air data transfer. The Harman system is based on the navigation data standard (NDS), meaning that dynamic map layers information could be shared among different vehicle makes and models that also use NDS for navigation purposes.
As the system is deployed across automakers, it will offer up broader industry-wide benefits, as OEMs can collaborate in building comprehensive, real-time representations of the road network. As the number of sensors in cars increase, this same standards-based system can be used to create updates to existing road maps, and even support the necessary high-definition map content required for various safety and autonomy applications within the connected car. More than 25 million automobiles currently on the road are equipped with Harman audio and connected car systems.
“After more than two years of collecting data and learning from production cars, we are thrilled to introduce this technology to the market. By harnessing the power of our software and deep experience with ADAS and navigation, we have created an automotive grade solution that will keep drivers safe,” explained Mike Tzamaloukas, vice president of the autonomous drive business unit at Harman’s connected car division. “As more cars on the road begin using this technology, our deep neural networks algorithms will develop guardian driver skills that we will all grow accustomed to using in our everyday drive experience.”
